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Maths History

Mary Everest Boole and string geometry

Introduce hands-on geometry and mathematical creativity.

Quick answer

Mary Everest Boole was a mathematician who loved to play with strings to explore shapes and patterns. She discovered new ways to make geometry fun and hands-on, using nothing but string, pegs, and her imagination.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use string to make shapes and explore geometry, just like Mary Everest Boole did. Success signs:
  • You can make a triangle using string and pegs
  • You can describe how shapes are different or the same
  • You can create your own pattern with string
  • You can explain how string geometry helps with learning maths

Why this matters

String geometry helps you see maths in a new way. Instead of just drawing shapes on paper, you can build them with string. This makes it easier to understand how shapes work, how long sides are, and how angles fit together. It also helps you think creatively about maths, just like Mary did. You can use string geometry to build anything from simple shapes to complex patterns, and it's great for learning about symmetry, area, and even fractions.

How it works

To use string geometry, you need:
  • A board or flat surface
  • Some pegs or nails
  • String or thread
The steps are:
  1. Put pegs in a line or around the edge of your board
  2. Loop your string around the pegs to make shapes
  3. Try different patterns and shapes
  4. Use your string to measure sides and angles

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are making a square with string. You put four pegs in a square shape. Then you loop the string around each peg to make the sides. If each side is 5 pegs long, you can count the string pieces to see how long the square is. You can also make triangles, hexagons, or any shape you can think of! Here is how you can make a triangle:
  1. Put 3 pegs in a triangle shape
  2. Loop string from peg 1 to peg 2
  3. Loop from peg 2 to peg 3
  4. Loop from peg 3 back to peg 1
Mary would often make patterns like this to explore how shapes fit together. She used string to create designs that helped her understand how angles and sides work in real life.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a string geometry adventure! Adventure: The Shape Explorer You are a shape explorer who has found a magic board. You have 12 pegs and a string. Your mission is to make as many different shapes as you can.
  1. First time: Make a triangle
  2. Second time: Make a square
  3. Third time: Make a pentagon
  4. Fourth time: Make a hexagon
  5. Fifth time: Try to make a shape with 8 sides
  6. Sixth time: Create a pattern using 2 triangles
Can you find how many pegs you need for each shape? How many different patterns can you make?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that you can only make straight lines with string.
    Why it happens: Children often think string is only for straight lines.
    Fix: Try looping the string around pegs to make curves and angles.
  • Mistake: Not counting the sides correctly.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to lose track when making shapes.
    Fix: Count each string piece as you go, or use a pen to mark each side.
  • Mistake: Making shapes that don’t close properly.
    Why it happens: The string might not loop back to the start.
    Fix: Make sure the last loop connects back to the first peg.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can support their child by:
  • Setting up a string geometry board at home with pegs and string
  • Encouraging children to try new shapes and patterns
  • Asking questions like, “How many sides does this shape have?” or “Can you make a bigger triangle?”
  • Letting children explore without pressure
  • Helping them count sides and measure string lengths
You don’t need to be a maths expert. Just enjoy the fun of making shapes together. Ask your child to explain what they are doing – it helps them learn better!

Practice questions

  1. How many pegs do you need to make a triangle?
  2. How many sides does a hexagon have?
  3. Can you make a square with 4 pegs?
  4. How many pegs are needed to make a pentagon?
  5. What shape has 8 sides?
Answers:
  1. 3 pegs
  2. 6 sides
  3. Yes, 4 pegs
  4. 5 pegs
  5. Octagon

FAQ

Who was Mary Everest Boole?

Mary Everest Boole was a mathematician and educator who loved to play with string and shapes. She created new ways to teach geometry that were hands-on and fun.

Why did Mary use string to learn maths?

Mary used string because it helped her see and feel how shapes worked. She could loop the string around pegs to make real shapes and patterns, which made learning more exciting.

Can I make shapes with string at home?

Yes! You can use a wooden board, pegs, and string to make all sorts of shapes. Try making triangles, squares, and more. It’s a fun way to learn geometry!

What shapes can I make with string geometry?

You can make any shape with string, from simple triangles to complex patterns. Try squares, hexagons, octagons, and even star shapes!

How can string geometry help with learning maths?

String geometry helps children understand how shapes are made, how sides and angles fit together, and how patterns work. It makes abstract ideas more concrete and fun.